"Mostly for my kids," she continued, looking at her two children, Melissa, a 5th grader, and Matthew, a 9th grader, standing by her side.

"They've had a really hard year and they've been very strong. This is showing them what selfless, wonderful people are about."

In its seventh year, Santa Boone is a tradition in which retired Fair Lawn Detective David Boone dresses up as Santa Claus, and surprises a local family in need with gifts -- providing a Christmastime escape from their struggles.

Everyone gathered in DeFontes' living room as Matthew and Melissa unwrapped two early Christmas presents -- brand new iPads.

The event is organized by Human Services Coordinator Liz Maresca, who -- dressed as Santa's helper -- took turns hugging each family member.

"It's a blessing and a curse to do this job, because you have to pick and choose from different families," Maresca told Daily Voice before the event from inside Borough Hall.

"What stuck out about Nicole is that her kids are old enough to know what's going on, and her mom is sick -- just the gravity of the situation is what caught me."

Last year's Santa Boone family
-- the Walsh's -- waited outside with the fire engines, as baby Jackson, 2, now in remission from cancer, greeted visitors and explored the fire truck.

As it turns out, Baby Jackson is related to DeFontes -- it's his aunt's long-lost cousin.

"It's nice to pass the tradition on to another family," said Jackson's mom, Tara Walsh.

"And because Nicole is Jackson's cousin, he'll get to appreciate it a little more."

Once Melissa and Matthew finished unwrapping their new iPads, everyone piled back into the rescue vehicles for a celebration at
Christmas on Vanore
, where more community members were waiting.

"It's such a special treat for the family in need, and a wonderful way for people to see how Fair Lawn takes care of its own," Council member Lisa Swain told Daily Voice.